Avalokiteshvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas and is one of the most revered figures in महायान (Mahāyāna) Buddhism. Often depicted as having multiple arms and eyes to better assist those in Need, Avalokiteshvara is dedicated to alleviating the suffering of sentient beings. The Mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is closely associated with this bodhisattva, symbolizing the union of Wisdom and compassion. Avalokiteshvara's presence and teachings continue to inspire practitioners around the World, emphasizing Mercy and benevolence in the path to enlightenment.
Anecdotes
- Credited with having a thousand arms to assist all beings, embodying boundless compassion. Manifested in various forms, ranging from peaceful to wrathful, to address different needs. Legendary Chinese monk journeyed to India to retrieve scriptures and returned as this deity's Incarnation.
- Once meditated so deeply that the head shattered into pieces, later reformed into eleven heads to hear the cries of the suffering more effectively.
- Once vowed to save all sentient beings and grew a thousand arms to better reach out and assist them in their suffering.
Magnitudes
- Cultivate empathy to understand deeply and lead.
- Embrace compassion as your guiding Principle.
- Embrace Patience; mastery unfolds over Time.
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